Rortie Bleue (trail route no. 7)

Description

A unique trail with its stretches across ridges and its descent in part at the foot of the cliffs.&nbsp “Of course, the main things you remember from this itinerary might be its impressive sections on the ridge or past the limestone cliffs, but the rustic descent below the hamlet of Les Roberts is one of the loveliest you'll see, not to mention the stretch along the Biaysse. All these contrasts make it really fascinating.” Marie-Geneviève Nicolas, park ranger at the Parc National des Écrins From the Valley Centre ("Maison de la Vallée"), head down into the meadow to cross the Biaysse and follow the track along the right-hand bank of the river. - Two bridges further down, cross back over the Biaysse and go right along the road for 50 metres until you come to another track on the left. This crosses a bridge over a stream and leads to the bottom of the path to the Col de l'Aiguille. Head up this path towards the Col de l'Aiguille, and then towards Le Clot du Puy. The path offers some beautiful vantage points and takes you down steep little paths among the rocks, then it runs along ridges in the forest. - In Le Clot du Puy, head downhill towards Freissinières, Coste du Plan. Lower down, be sure to follow the signs for trail no. 7 - The path leads to the road, which you follow right for a short distance until you come to the hamlet of Les Roberts. - Just after the waste bins, take the narrow lane leading down at an angle to the left. The old track runs down below the hamlet and then crosses the road twice before coming to Freissinières. Go past the church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and after 50 metres turn right to make your way back to your starting point.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Follow and apply the internal rules of the Bike Park (displayed at the entrance
• Before setting off, it is very important to check the opening periods for this route on the website: https://stationdetrail.com/fr/stations/le-pays-des-ecrins/parcours
• Share your photographs on social networks with #stationdetrailecrins
• Check weather conditions before setting off.
• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne (Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Show consideration for the work of farmers, livestock keepers and owners
• Close all gates behind you
• Take your litter home
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland
• The trail routes are also suitable for walking

Getting there

Start: Maison de la Vallée, Freissinières, Freissinières (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/959352-Trail-N07---La-Rortie). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 659 m, Parc national des Écrins